Construction accidents frequently occur on job sites where cement and concrete are being used. While commonly used in construction, cement and concrete present significant dangers due to their heavy weight, chemical properties, and the risks of falls and accidents associated with their handling and installation on construction sites.
If you've been injured in a construction accident involving cement or concrete in Ohio, seeking legal help is crucial. An experienced construction accident lawyer can assist you in understanding your legal rights and options for compensation.
How common are construction accidents involving cement or concrete?
Construction work can be dangerous for many reasons, from slip and fall accidents to being hit by machinery or falling objects. This is why the construction industry has one of the highest fatality rates of any industry, especially among roofers and construction helpers. Both construction jobs are ranked in the top five most dangerous professions (roofers are second, construction helpers are fourth) based on the number of workplace fatalities, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
As for construction accident injuries involving concrete or cement, thousands of workers regularly sustain serious injuries while working with such materials. At least 10 percent of employers who work with concrete have sustained an injury, according to Safety Now.
Common injuries and illnesses involving concrete
Injuries and illnesses related to construction work involving concrete or cement can vary widely, encompassing both long-term health effects from chemical exposure and acute injuries from accidents. These include:
- Lung diseases such as lung cancer resulting from prolonged exposure to hazardous chemicals like crystalline silica and calcium oxide (lime).
- Vision impairment or blindness caused by particles from cement or concrete getting into the eyes.
- Chemical burns on the skin due to direct contact with cement or concrete. This is often called "cement burn" or "concrete burn."
- Back injuries, particularly in the lower back, often stemming from the manual lifting of heavy concrete materials.
- Fractures and broken bones caused by falling concrete or cement objects striking construction workers.
- Slip, trip, and fall accidents, especially common near wet concrete or unmarked hazards on construction sites.
- Injuries involving rebar, including serious or life-threatening incidents from falls onto the sharp metal rods used in conjunction with concrete.
Common causes of construction illnesses or injuries involving cement
Sadly, many construction accidents involving concrete or cement can be prevented. That's because many of these work-related injuries and illnesses occur due to negligence on the part of construction companies. Examples include:
- Failure to provide essential safety equipment like respirators, protective eyewear, gloves, and construction boots to workers.
- Inadequate training for construction workers on safe handling practices for cement or concrete.
- Unsafe work environments resulting from substandard construction practices, particularly in incidents involving building collapses or blow-outs during concrete work with molds or forms.
- Lack of warning signs indicating potential hazards or risks on the site.
- Infrequent inspections of construction sites to identify and address potential dangers associated with concrete or cement work.
What laws do construction companies have to follow involving concrete or cement?
Many laws place strict guidelines on construction companies using cement or concrete. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), a federal agency, created many of these laws, which include:
- OSHA 1926 Subpart Q, a wide-ranging set of regulations governing concrete and masonry construction within the construction industry.
- OSHA Standard 1926.701(a), which covers construction loads. Before construction workers can place a heavy load on any concrete structure, they must first verify that the concrete structure can support the weight of any heavy load.
- OSHA Standard 1926.701(e), which involves working under loads. Specifically, construction workers cannot work under concrete buckets while they are being raised or lowered.
What should I do if I'm injured in a construction accident involving cement?
Injured construction workers and construction companies need to act fast after an injury involving concrete or cement. Such steps often include:
- Call for emergency help right away, especially if you have a life-threatening injury.
- Don't move if you believe you have a serious injury involving your spine or neck.
- Have someone tell a supervisor right away about your injury.
- If you are treated by a doctor or another medical professional, follow their advice. Otherwise, you might not fully recover, or your recovery could take longer than anticipated.
- Talk to a construction accident lawyer as soon as possible to learn more about your legal options.
Contact an Ohio construction accident attorney today
Don't underestimate the complexity or the seriousness of your construction accident, injury, or illness. If you get hurt while working with concrete or cement at a construction site in Ohio, you must take certain steps immediately to protect your health and legal rights.
Our Ohio construction accident lawyers at Hochman & Plunkett Co., L.P.A can help you every step of the way. We understand how Ohio's legal system works when it comes to construction accidents. That's because we have years of experience handling complex legal cases and getting results for injured workers in Ohio.
Get a law firm that knows how to fight for injured construction workers. Contact us and schedule a free case consultation. We have offices in Dayton, Cincinnati, Springfield, and Troy and handle injury claims throughout Ohio.